Placemaking

The goal of the Placemaking program is to support the development of public places that create opportunities for people to gather, recreate, and celebrate, and that promote local tourism and economic activity. The Foundation strategically identifies projects such as public space enhancements, rural downtowns, public parks and plazas, and greenways that enhance the quality of life of all residents.

Gates selects projects that significantly leverage other public and private resources and provide meaningful benefits to the community. Initiated funding for the Placemaking program differs from Gates’ capital grants in that grant funds are reserved for demonstration projects, pre-construction planning, or other project elements that are not considered bricks and mortar and do not otherwise qualify for capital funding.